WATCH LIVE: President Ruto's State Of The Nation Address

President William Ruto will deliver his address to the nation from Parliament on Thursday, November 20, with Kenyans expecting direct, unfiltered answers on the issues that have shaped everyday life over the last two years.

With concerns ranging from unfinished roads and rising school costs to insecurity and joblessness, anticipation around this year’s State of the Nation Address is unusually intense.

Infrastructure is expected to take centre stage. The government has consistently argued that hundreds of stalled road projects are finally progressing again after a major push to settle overdue contractor payments.

Road agencies reportedly completed over 760 kilometres of roads in the last financial year — well above their target. Ruto is also likely to spotlight the National Infrastructure Fund, which State House has framed as a long-term solution to the country’s stop-and-start development cycle.

The President has regularly justified the use of NSSF pension contributions for infrastructure projects, saying the investments are both secure and beneficial for workers.

Still, many Kenyans want answers: why so many roads remain unfinished, whether pension savings are genuinely safeguarded, and when new infrastructure will actually ease transport and food prices.

Any talk of tolls or new user charges is expected to spark immediate public pushback.

Education will also come under the microscope. From September 1, 2025, public universities are scheduled to roll out reduced fees under a revamped funding model that the government has hailed as transformative.

Ruto is also expected to cite the hiring of additional teachers and expanded investment in classrooms and labs as the Competency-Based Curriculum keeps expanding. But parents and students are looking for more than promises.

Scroll up to watch the live proceedings, courtesy of Parliament Kenya

VIPs In Attendance

At this year’s State of the Nation Address, First Lady Rachel Ruto is in attendance, seated beside Deputy President Kindiki.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has accompanied the President along with several Cabinet Secretaries, including Aden Duale, Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), and Alice Wahome (Lands).

Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu are also in the chamber, joined by Justice Daniel Musinga, President of the Court of Appeal, as well as Justices Oscar Angote from the Environment Court and Brian Ongaya from the Employment Court.

Former Speakers Francis Ole Kaparo and Kenneth Lusaka — who is also the current Bungoma Governor — are present as well.

Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdulahi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja are in the House representing county governments.